Canopy device

ABSTRACT

The present canopy device relates in general to a device that may be used to provide a level of protection from the sun and rain using natural elements such as sand and air. More specifically, the present canopy device utilizes a three part support system including two tethers that may be grounded, for example, with sand from the beach, or stakes, and a rod that may be grounded within said sand. Said tethers and rod may be attached to a cover, said cover fabricated in such a way as to capture flowing air. Unlike with an umbrella, the air may provide a further level of stability to the overall structure of the canopy device. The canopy device is also designed to be easily set up, taken down, and transported.

PRIORITY NOTICE

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/682,099 filed on Aug. 10, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present canopy device relates in general to a device used to provide protection from sun and rain, and more specifically, to a device that may utilize wind and/or other natural elements for beach, garden and/or other uses.

TRADEMARK NOTICE

Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and shall not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this canopy device to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrellas are commonly used to provide protection from sun and rain. While these devices come in many different shapes and sizes, their overall design is remarkably similar. This design usually consists of a rod, with or without a handle. A series of ribs radiate from the top of the rod, which may be extended or collapsed through a mechanism located on the rod. Attached to these ribs may be either a synthetic or natural fabric, which is the part of the device that provides the actual protection from the sun and rain. Although this basic structure provides a measure of protection, it is not necessarily efficient.

The efficiency of any particular umbrella may be inversely related to its actual size. While it is true that a larger umbrella gives a larger area of protection, it also creates several problems. To illustrate these problems, it is helpful to envision a large beach umbrella that may be grounded in the sand and capable of providing sun protection for several people. Such a large umbrella may be excessively top-heavy and may easily topple due to its own instability. Conversely, even a slight ocean breeze may be sufficient to push the structure of the ribs outward such that the wind creates what appears to be a reversed umbrella. Worse, such a breeze may grab a hold of the entire umbrella, pull it out of the sand and send it sailing down the beach. Not only is this incredibly inconvenient, but it creates a safety hazard for other beach goers whose paths may cross with unfortunate results.

There is a need in the art for a device that is capable of utilizing air flow to its advantage and/or other natural surrounding elements to its advantage while providing protection from the sun and rain. It is to these ends that the present canopy device has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present canopy device describes a structure capable of utilizing natural elements to provide sun and rain protection comprising a cover to provide protection from the sun and rain, a support structure secured to and extending from said cover. a first tether, wherein said first tether is attached to a first portion of said cover, a second tether, wherein said second tether is attached to a second portion of said cover, a first anchor used to provide grounding support, wherein said first anchor is attached to said first tether, and a second anchor used to provide grounding support, wherein said second anchor is attached to said second tether.

Said support structure comprises a first rod, whereby the distal end of said first rod is grounded in the earth, a T-joint, wherein the proximal end of said first rod is attached to the bottom of said T-joint, a second rod, which is placed within a first cross portion of said T-joint, said second rod being housed within said cover, and a third rod, which is placed within a second cross portion of said T-joint, said third rod being housed within said cover.

Said cover is substantially square in shape, said cover having a straight side, and three concavely arced sides. Said cover further comprises a pocket extending the length of said straight side of said cover, within which said second rod and said third rod of said support structure are housed. Said pocket further comprises an opening through which said second rod and said third rod are inserted.

Said first rod is comprised of aluminum, said T-joint is comprised of aluminum, said second rod is comprised of aluminum, and said third rod is comprised of aluminum.

Said first tether comprises a first nylon strap, the proximal end of said first nylon strap being attached to said cover in a first corner opposite of said pocket and the distal end of said first nylon strap being attached to said first anchor, and said second tether comprises a second nylon strap the proximal end of said second nylon strap being attached to said cover in a second corner opposite of said pocket and the distal end of said second nylon strap being attached to said second anchor.

The canopy device further comprises a first tether adjustor and a second tether adjustor, wherein said first tether adjustor comprises a first plastic nylon buckle, and said second tether adjustor comprises a second plastic nylon buckle.

Said first anchor comprises a first bag, within which a grounding substance is placed, and a first fastener for securely closing said first bag, and said second anchor further comprises, a second bag, within which said grounding substance is placed, and a second fastener for securely closing said second bag.

The canopy device further comprises a scoop, which is used to move said grounding substance into said first bag and said second bag.

It is an objective of the present canopy device to utilize wind and/or other natural surrounding elements to provide sun and rain protection.

It is another objective of the present canopy device to be easily assembled and disassembled.

It is yet another objective of the present canopy device to be portable and practical.

These and other advantages and features of the present canopy device are described herein with specificity so as to make the present canopy device understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the canopy device. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the canopy device.

FIG. 1 is a three dimensional view of a canopy device in a beach environment.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view depicting interior details of the canopy device, namely the canopy device's support structure.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view depicting openings within which the canopy device's support structure may be inserted.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation exploded view of the canopy device's support structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present canopy device, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the canopy device may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present canopy device.

FIG. 1 is a three dimensional view of one embodiment of canopy device in a beach environment 101. As depicted, canopy device 101 may generally be comprised of cover 102, two tethers 103, two tether adjustors 104, two bags 105, and one rod 106. Cover 102 may be used to provide protection from sun and rain. Cover 102 may be comprised of a fabric or cloth material. This material may vary in type, thickness, and thread count. In one embodiment, an Oxford material may be used.

In another embodiment, cover 102 may be multi-layered. This may allow for increased protection from the sun and rain, as well as an increased shading effect. One layer may contain a UN coating. This may allow for particular protection from sunburn. Such a layer may contain a level of protection equivalent to SPF 15. Other layers may be added, including colored layers. For example, a white layered fabric may be added to the top portion of cover 102 to bounce the sun's rays away from the underside of cover 102, while a black layered fabric may be added to the bottom portion of cover 102 to retain a level of heat. This may be desirable, for example, in the event of a brisk day at the beach.

Cover 102 may also be assembled such that when canopy device 101 is fully erected, air flowing through canopy device 101 is captured by cover 102. Cover 102 thus may be assembled such that it acts like a stationary parachute. For example, the material of cover 102 may be cut and stitched together such that it captures and utilizes the air flowing through it, creating an air pocket. This may be accomplished for example, as depicted in FIG. 1, by having a four edged cover 102 comprised regions stitched together in a particular manner, wherein one side of cover 102 is straight, and the other three sides are arced such that air flowing in at least three directions may pass through the empty arced space of the three sides of cover 102, and run into a wall of the fourth side of cover 102. The air may then be directed upwards toward the underside of cover 102, creating an air pocket that may help to keep cover 102 aloft. The ground below may then be protected with shade and or protection from rain.

FIG. 1 also depicts two tethers 103 attached to cover 102. Tethers 103 may be comprised of, for example, nylon straps. In one embodiment, these nylon straps may be around two inches wide and several feet long. In other embodiments, tethers 103 may be comprised of rope or a ropelike material, or may even be extensions of cover 102. Such extensions may be comprised of the same fabric as cover 102 or be comprised of a different type of material. Tethers 103 may be attached to cover 102 by mechanical sewing. Tethers 103 made of rope may be attached to cover 102 by guiding the end of the rope through an eyelet and then manually making a knot. These embodiments however, are not to limit the scope of canopy device 101, as other variations may be employed to attach tethers 103 to cover 102.

FIG. 1 further depicts two tether adjustors 104 attached to the above described tethers 103. Where canopy device 101 is of an adjustable nature, this may allow for increased protection from sun and rain and/or adjustment for better performance for environmental influences such as wind strength. Each tether adjustor 104 may be comprised of a structure to allow for each tether 103 to be made longer or shorter with relative ease while maintaining strength over the adjusted tether 103, such that a strong wind, for example, would be unable to adjust tether 103 itself. One such structure that may be employed by tether 103 comprised of a nylon strap, for example, would be a male/female plastic nylon buckle. In such an embodiment, tether 103 may be looped through the male side of the plastic nylon buckle. The female side may be looped with a shorter piece of nylon strap attached to bag 105 (discussed further below). The nylon strap connected to the male side of the plastic nylon buckle may then be adjusted such that it is longer or shorter. It may then be securely buckled with the female side. In such an embodiment where this method is used, cover 102 may be secured to tethers 103, which may be attached to tether adjustors 104, and securely attached to bags 105. Other embodiments of tether adjustor 104 may include adjustable knots, belt buckles, and other such adjustable mechanisms. It may be noted, however, that canopy device 101 need not be comprised with tether adjustor 104. In another embodiment, canopy device 101 may not be adjustable in nature.

FIG. 1 further depicts two bags 105 attached near each tether adjustor 104. Bag 105 may be comprised of any synthetic or natural material. Bag 105 may also vary in size and shape. Bag 105 may further be comprised with an opening, such as to allow for bag 105 to be filled with a substance. Such an opening may include a zipper, drawstring opening, or other such device to allow for placement or removal of substances from within and out of bag 105.

Bag 105 may be filled with sand, water, mud, dirt, etc., for the purpose of grounding canopy device 101 to a fixed position, similar to an anchor. Such a substance filling bag 105 may make it more difficult for the wind to take a hold of canopy device 101 and remove it from a fixed position. For example, as FIG. 1 depicts a beach environment, the sand at the beach may be used to fill bag 105. This may add a level of convenience for a beach goer, for example, who may utilize the natural elements of the beach, rather than hauling around bags of sand or other substances to aid in the grounding of canopy device 101.

Furthermore, a user may employ a cup or scoop device for assisting in filling each bag 105 with any particular substance. Such a device may be contained within bag 105, for example, when canopy 101 is not in use. In another embodiment, however, bags 105 may not be employed, and canopy device 101 may be anchored to the ground by way of metal or wooden pegs or stakes, which may be placed through a an eyelet on bag 105, for example.

FIG. 1 further depicts rod 106 and rod adjustor 107. Rod 106 may serve as part of canopy device's 101 support structure 201. Rod 106 may be manually attached to cover 101 such that it provides a third leg of grounding support, working in tandem with bags 105, tether adjustors 104, and tethers 103. Rod 106 may be inserted into the ground to a depth sufficient to further stabilize canopy device 101 in conjunction with bags 105. Furthermore, rod 106 may be equipped with rod adjustor 107, such that the height of canopy device 101 may be easily adjusted. Thus rod 106 may rigid or adjustable. Rod adjustor 107 may be a device comprising a handle and a grip such that when engaged, rod 106 is locked into place, and when disengaged, rod 106 may become adjustable.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of canopy device 101 primarily depicting canopy device's 101 support structure 201. Support structure 201 may be used to provide support and reinforcement for canopy device 101. Support structure 201 may be comprised of PVC piping, wood, plastic, metal, or any other composite or natural material, or any combination of said materials without deviating from the scope of canopy device 101.

As depicted, support structure 201 may be comprised of rod 106, connecting rod 202, O-ring 203, T-joint 204, T-rods 205, and caps 206. This particular structure is not to limit the scope of canopy device 101, however, as other more simplified or complex combinations of the above components may be utilized. In another embodiment for example, support structure 201 may be comprised of rod 106, T-joint 204, and two T-rods 205. In another embodiment, rod 106 may stand alone. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, support structure 201 may be comprised of rod 106, rod adjustor 107, T-joint 204, T-rods 205, and caps 206.

Several components of support structure 201 may rest within pocket 207 of cover 102. As depicted in FIG. 2, these components may be part of T-joint 204, T-rods 205, and caps 206. Resting within pocket 207 and being propped up by rod 106 may allow for canopy device 101 to be fully erected and able to utilize wind as further support.

Pocket 207 may be created by folding a portion of cover 102 in on itself and thereafter hemmed. Pocket 207 may also be separately attached, such as with a zipper. Other methods and means by which to create pocket 207 may also be utilized. As shown in FIG. 2, pocket 207 may extend from the upper left corner to the upper right corner of cover 102.

It may also be noted that cover 102 or pocket 207 may be affixed with grommets, loops, or other similar structures that may then be affixed to support structure 201 such as to secure the entirety of canopy device 101.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view primarily depicting opening 301 and side openings 302. Opening 301 and side openings 302 may be located on pocket 207 and allow for the components of support structure 201 to be inserted into pocket 207 with ease. A Velcro® feature may be found near side openings 302. After the components of support structure have been inserted into pocket 207, side openings 302 may be sealed with said Velcro® feature. Other methods of sealing may also be employed, such that the components of support structure 201 may be secured within pocket 207. Another embodiment, however, may be comprised solely of opening 301. In such an embodiment, the components of support structure 201 may be inserted through this singular hole without departing from the scope of canopy device 101 and also allow for the components of support structure 201 to be secured.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation exploded view of support structure 201. As discussed above, support structure 201 may be comprised of an array of materials, however, one embodiment may utilize PVC. As such, T-joint 204 may be a % inch PVC joint that does not contain any inner threads. Caps 206 may also be comprised of ¾ inch schedule eighty PVC and glued to T-rods 205 respectfully.

Connecting rod 202 may be circumscribed with O-ring 203. O-ring 203 may be used for providing a secured, closed connection between rod 106 and connecting rod 202. In other words O-ring 203 may serve as a locking device. O-ring 203 may be comprised of rubber, plastic, metal, or any other material that may enable a secure connection. However, other mechanisms may be employed rather than O-ring 203, such as rod adjustor 107 as described above or other adjustment mechanisms that perform the same function, such that rod 106 is not locked in place, but is rather adjustable. Support structure 201 may be anchored to the ground with rod 106, and thereafter provide adequate grounding support for the rest of canopy device 101. Rod 106 may be 48″ in length and 1¼″ in diameter, and composed of a sixteen gauge aluminum tubing material.

Support structure 201 has been described as an assemblage of parts. In other embodiments, however, support structure 201 may be a single fabrication, or any variation which may achieve the same end of providing support for canopy device 101.

A novel canopy device for providing protection from sun and rain has been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the canopy device has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the canopy device to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A canopy device, comprising: a cover to provide protection from the sun and rain; a support structure secured to and extending from said cover; a first tether, wherein said first tether is attached to a first portion of said cover; a second tether, wherein said second tether is attached to a second portion of said cover; a first anchor used to provide grounding support, wherein said first anchor is attached to said first tether; and a second anchor used to provide grounding support, wherein said second anchor is attached to said second tether.
 2. The canopy device of claim 1, wherein said support structure comprises a first rod, whereby the distal end of said first rod is grounded in the earth, and the proximal end of said first rod is perpendicularly connected to a second rod, said second rod being housed in said cover.
 3. The canopy device of claim 1, wherein said support structure comprises: a first rod, whereby the distal end of said first rod is grounded in the earth; a T-joint, wherein the proximal end of said first rod is attached to the bottom of said T-joint; a second rod, which is placed within a first cross portion of said T-joint, said second rod being housed within said cover; and a third rod, which is placed within a second cross portion of said T-joint, said third rod being housed within said cover.
 4. The canopy device of claim 3, wherein said cover is substantially square in shape, said cover having a straight side, and three concavely arced sides.
 5. The canopy device of claim 4, wherein said cover further comprises a pocket extending the length of said straight side of said cover, within which said second rod and said third rod of said support structure are housed.
 6. The canopy device of claim 5, wherein said pocket further comprises an opening through which said second rod and said third rod are inserted.
 7. The canopy device of claim 6, wherein said first rod is comprised of aluminum, said T-joint is comprised of PVC, said second rod is comprised of PVC, and said third rod is comprised of PVC.
 8. The canopy device of claim 6, wherein said first rod is comprised of aluminum, said T-joint is comprised of aluminum, said second rod is comprised of aluminum, and said third rod is comprised of aluminum.
 9. The canopy device of claim 6, wherein said first tether comprises the same material as said cover, the proximal end of said first tether being attached to said cover in a first corner opposite of said pocket and the distal end of said first tether being attached to said first anchor, and said second tether comprises the same material as said cover, the proximal end of said second tether being attached to said cover in a second corner opposite of said pocket and the distal end of said second tether being attached to said second anchor.
 10. The canopy device of claim 6, wherein said first tether comprises a first nylon strap, the proximal end of said first nylon strap being attached to said cover in a first corner opposite of said pocket and the distal end of said first nylon strap being attached to said first anchor, and said second tether comprises a second nylon strap the proximal end of said second nylon strap being attached to said cover in a second corner opposite of said pocket and the distal end of said second nylon strap being attached to said second anchor.
 11. The canopy device of claim 10, further comprising a first tether adjustor and a second tether adjustor.
 12. The canopy device of claim 11, wherein said first tether adjustor comprises a first plastic nylon buckle, and said second tether adjustor comprises a second plastic nylon buckle.
 13. The canopy device of claim 12, wherein said first anchor comprises: a first bag, within which a grounding substance is placed; and a first fastener for securely closing said first bag; and wherein said second anchor further comprises: a second bag, within which said grounding substance is placed; and a second fastener for securely closing said second bag.
 14. The canopy device of claim 13, further comprising a scoop, which is used to move said grounding substance into said first bag and said second bag.
 15. A method of providing protection from sun and rain using a canopy comprising the steps of: placing a first rod and a second rod within a pocket of a cover; joining said first rod and said second rod with a T-joint, such that said first rod and said second rod form a horizontal line; attaching a third rod to said T-joint, such that said third rod is substantially perpendicular to said horizontal line formed by said first rod and said second rod; grounding said third rod in the Earth; and grounding further said canopy to the Earth by using at least two additional anchors;
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: filling a first bag with a grounding substance, said first bag attached to the distal end of a first tether, the proximal end of said first tether being attached to said cover; filling a second bag with said grounding substance, said second bag attached to the distal end of a second tether, the proximal end of said second tether being attached to said cover; sealing said first bag and said second bag with a fastener; and placing said first bag and said second bag at a distance from said third rod such that a line drawn from the points where each rests forms a triangle and provides adequate grounding support for said canopy.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: grounding said canopy to the Earth using a first stake, said first stake releasably attached to the distal end of a first tether, the proximal end of said first tether being attached to said cover; grounding said canopy to the Earth using a second stake, said second stake releasably attached to the distal end of a second tether, the proximal end of said second tether being attached to said cover.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of adjusting said first tether and said second tether using a first tether adjustor and a second tether adjustor such that said cover is at a distance from the ground to provide adequate protection from sun and rain.
 19. A canopy device, comprising: a cover to provide protection from the sun and rain; a support structure secured to said cover, having an adjustable rod extending from a first portion of said cover; a first adjustable tether, wherein said first adjustable tether is attached to a second portion of said cover; a second adjustable tether, wherein said second adjustable tether is attached to a third portion of said cover; a first eyelet substantially near the distal end of said first adjustable tether; and a second eyelet substantially near the distal end of said second adjustable tether.
 20. The canopy device of claim 19, further comprising a first stake, releasably attached to said canopy device, that is placed through said first eyelet to secure said canopy device to the ground, and a second stake, releasably attached to said canopy device, that is placed through said second eyelet to secure said canopy device to the ground. 